Community Links
"Where relationships are at the heart of the school, and the school is at the heart of the community"
We have this phrase as our 'strapline' for good reason. The founding vision for the school in this regard has never wavered and we are proud of the ways in which we engage with the local community, and we envisage growing our relationships further still over the coming years.
We want our students to develop a 'community spirit' of kindness and helpfulness towards others, to engage in what is going on around them in Swanage and the local area, to learn from the wonderful array of talented, inspirational local people who offer to speak or mentor them, and to be able to showcase their work around town and beyond so that their own talents are recognised.
Examples of our community links include:
- primary school interaction where our staff and students offer workshops and events to the younger generation
- participation in the Purbeck Nature Network and Purbeck Goes Wild, led by the National Trust and Planet Purbeck
- working with Purbeck Arts Week, the Burngate Stonecarving Centre and visiting artists
- welcoming inspirational speakers and local volunteers to learn from their expertise and knowledge
- working with Wave Youth to support students
- helping with beach cleans
- planting trees with the support of Sustainable Swanage, Greening Swanage and Trees for Dorset
- getting involved in National Trust projects such as those aimed at increasing bio-diversity, and monitoring the dunes in the Dynamic Dunescapes Project
- welcoming local sponsors for student-led clubs and initiatives, such as our Race Team
- engagement with The Rotary on projects and competitions
- working with The Mowlem to put on extraordinary productions
- providing meals to vulnerable members of the community during the pandemic lockdowns, and making personal protective equipment for front-line workers
- hosting Christmas tea-parties for elderly residents of Swanage
Get Involved
Swanage is a rich environment in which to learn, from the geology of the landscape to the skills, crafts and expertise of local people.
The school uses every opportunity to work with the people and businesses of Swanage. Could you:
- provide extracurricular activities within the school or out in the community? For example, arts and crafts workshops, local trade master classes, practical seminars in your area of expertise, sports coaching and training.
- offer opportunities for students to help serve their community? For example voluntary work, vocational placements, focus days to help with a specific community project.
- give an inspirational talk to students drawing on your area of expertise or experiences?
We want to hear from you! Please contact our Communication & Engagement Lead (staff list).
Join the PTFA
Our Parent, Teacher and Friends Association would love to hear from you if you have some time and willingness to help raise funds for the school by running or supporting events and other fund-raising activities.
Become a Governor
Being a school governor can be a very rewarding experience. Find out more on our governance page.
Make a Donation
Donations and support in kind help us to provide additional facilities that normal education funding would not be expected to cover.
If you would like to discuss your donation, offer a donation in kind, or to donate specific equipment or services, please contact our Business Manager (staff list).
All donations, however small, will be gratefully received.